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Obama: US soldier’s reported shooting rampage in Afghanistan ‘tragic and shocking’
White House correspondent ^ | 11 March 2012 | Oliver Know

Posted on 03/11/2012 2:57:35 PM PDT by rfreedom4u

President Barack Obama on Sunday condemned the alleged slaughter of 16 Afghan civilians by an American soldier as "tragic and shocking" and assured Afghan President Hamid Karzai by telephone that the United States will "hold fully accountable anyone responsible" as the bloody incident plunged already deteriorating ties into a fresh crisis. Obama called Karzai, who denounced the reported shooting rampage as an unforgivable "assassination," to make clear "his Administration's commitment to establish the facts as quickly as possible and to hold fully accountable anyone responsible," the White House said in a statement. Obama expressed "his shock and sadness" to Karzai at the incident, which news reports said left mostly women and children among the dead, and "reaffirmed our deep respect for the Afghan people and the bonds between our two countries," the White House said. Ahead of the call, Obama received a briefing on the incident from top aides including National Security Adviser Tom Donilon, Deputy National Security Advisor Denis McDonough, and Special Assistant to the President for Afghanistan and Pakistan Doug Lute, according to National Security Council deputy spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden.

(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...


TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: afghanistan; corruption; islam; karzai; muslim; muslims; obama; rop
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This incident is tragic and shocking, and does not represent the exceptional character of our military and the respect that the United States has for the people of Afghanistan. I fully support Secretary Panetta's and General Allen's commitment to get the facts as quickly as possible and to hold accountable anyone responsible," Obama said.

The shooting rampage immediately reignited a debate over whether to hasten the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, where American-led forces are scheduled to hand over security to their hosts by the end of 2014. A new ABC News/Washington Post poll found US public sentiment against the war at near-record highs.

"I offer my condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and to the people of Afghanistan, who have endured too much violence and suffering," said the president.

The tragedy came just days after Obama and Karzai spoke by video conference and agreed that tensions had "calmed" since the burning of Muslim holy books on a US base.

That incident had sparked violent protests in Afghanistan and the killing of six US service members at the hands of their Afghan counterparts. It also led Obama to apologize for the desecration of the Qurans in an attempt to quiet clashes that he said endangered US military and civilian personnel. Republican presidential candidates, notably Newt Gingrich, condemned the apology.

Panetta said in a statement that he had spoken to Karzai to offer "my deepest condolences" and that "a full investigation is already underway."

"I gave President Karzai my assurances that we will bring those responsible to justice. We will spare no effort in getting the facts as quickly as possible, and we will hold any perpetrator who is responsible for this violence fully accountable under the law," said the defense secretary.

1 posted on 03/11/2012 2:57:41 PM PDT by rfreedom4u
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To: rfreedom4u

Ft. Hood wasn’t shocking though...because he was yelling allah akbar.


2 posted on 03/11/2012 2:59:55 PM PDT by Sacajaweau
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To: rfreedom4u

He didn’t say squat about our 6 US Military murdered after the koran (I wipe a dead pig’s a** with it) burning, did he? FUBO!


3 posted on 03/11/2012 3:00:38 PM PDT by Carriage Hill (I'll "vote for an orange juice can", over Barry Obummer and another 4yrs, anyday!)
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To: rfreedom4u

“tragic and shocking”

And what does he say about the Afghan soldier’s killing of Americans?

“I offer my condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives,

And did Karzai offer the same to the families of Americans killed by his soldiers?

“I gave President Karzai my assurances that we will bring those responsible to justice.

And when will the Afghan murderers of Americans be brought to justice?


4 posted on 03/11/2012 3:01:30 PM PDT by rfreedom4u (Just because someone thinks it's a good idea doesn't make it legal.)
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To: Sacajaweau

My guess is that this guy probably snapped in large part due to the restrictive (self-defeating) ROEs that got his buddies killed.


5 posted on 03/11/2012 3:01:46 PM PDT by rbg81 (Only taxpayers should be allowed to vote)
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To: rfreedom4u

It is unfortunate but it happens.

My grandfather told me about a guard at a POW camp in Germany who opened fire on German prisoners from a guard tower with a machine gun.


6 posted on 03/11/2012 3:04:30 PM PDT by cripplecreek (What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?)
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To: rbg81

Touchy feely war is only hard on us.


7 posted on 03/11/2012 3:05:46 PM PDT by cripplecreek (What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?)
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To: rfreedom4u

Karzai said it was an unforgivable act. What does the Afghanistan constitution say about terrorism and jihad against their own citizens. Just wondering.


8 posted on 03/11/2012 3:06:18 PM PDT by huldah1776
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To: Sacajaweau
Ft. Hood wasn’t shocking though...because he was yelling allah akbar.

Good point....and further ask me anymore if I care who our guys take out in that God forsaken country. That's one less who can harm our troops directly and indirectly, for if those people aren't supporting our troops as they re-build and take out their enemies then we just plain need to bring our men home and let them devour each other....I truly don't care about them for they have made their decisions to remain in the cesspool of death and destruction they desire.

Further, Karsi got all he wanted...he is no longer a friend to the USA...and anyone who thinks otherwise is deceived greatly. He has his "throne" we've protected and built his army around him...now let him defend it against the hoards who will come against him once we're out of the dunghill!

9 posted on 03/11/2012 3:07:13 PM PDT by caww
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To: Sacajaweau

I guess I’ll have to search for the transcript of what he said after Ft Hood. Just for historical comparison, of course.


10 posted on 03/11/2012 3:07:49 PM PDT by hattend (Jesus wants me to make churches pay for abortions. - Barack Obama)
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To: rfreedom4u

In all likelihood, the SSGT in question had severe PTSD, and though he had repeatedly complained of it to his chain of command, it was either ignored, or he was accused of malingering.

I suspect that he had either an Article 15 or even a court martial pending. But this will only be known if his command doesn’t immediately destroy this evidence.

However, it he also complained to an honest chaplain or medical officer, it is a wholly different situation. There will be a huge investigation and a lot of people will face punishment.

As far as the SSGT goes, once properly evaluated by a psychiatrist, he will be shipped home and have to undergo intensive therapy and rehabilitation. Any military criminal punishment, oddly enough, will be mild, as what he did does not seriously interfere with morale and discipline.

There is an additional provision however. Not too long ago, congress passed a horrible law that made military personnel subject to civilian prosecution for acts they may have carried out overseas, after they have left the military. So if he is not prosecuted by the military, he may face an ambitious, anti-military prosecutor.


11 posted on 03/11/2012 3:11:02 PM PDT by yefragetuwrabrumuy
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To: rbg81

I am wondering if this Staff Sgt was in command of some of the soldiers who are being “investigated” for the Koran burnings. It does not justify what has been reported but it might explain why he “snapped” if that is really what happened.

So many questions at this point and sadly, I don’t trust the media or the military brass to give us the real answers!


12 posted on 03/11/2012 3:11:13 PM PDT by VikingMom (I may not know what the future holds but I know who holds the future!)
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To: hattend
Re: Ft Hood...IIRC....His first response was "Let's not come to any conclusions"...

And of course, remember Obama's "The sweetest sound" and the "I will side with the Muslims"

13 posted on 03/11/2012 3:17:24 PM PDT by Sacajaweau
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To: rfreedom4u
“Obama: US soldier’s reported shooting rampage in Afghanistan ‘tragic and shocking’”

####

EyeGuy: The election, by a free people, blessed with the greatest system of limited government ever created, of a talentless, fringe radical, traitorous RaceMarxist, as Commander in Chief ‘tragic and shocking’.

14 posted on 03/11/2012 3:19:09 PM PDT by EyeGuy (2012: When the Levee Breaks)
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To: carriage_hill

You know, sooner or later the American people will come to realize that POTUS Obama is an anti-American. Did he say or send any condolences to the four innocent American military folks, ambushed and shot by Taliban Muslims in Afghanistan? I doubt it!!! Our precious men & women under arms are in harms way with no way to win as long as Obama, our leader sides with our enemies. Yes, under Obama, America is always wrong!!!

We should bring our troops home immediately!!! My heart aches for the lost human American treasure caused by Barack Hussein Obama and his Democrat Party ilk!!! He, in his ardent support of our enemies, has cost us, the USA, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Yemen, the Sudan, Somalia, etc. All have been lost under Obama!!! And....he has put and placed our military in a permanent, no-win situation. The sacrifice or wounding of any more American military personnel caused by the design of Obama & Panetta is disgraceful and treasonous!!! God look over & protect our sons & daughters of the USA millitary, for Obama is not and, he could care less. He is more interested in siding and supporting our enemies, traitor that he is!!! Wake up, America!!! In 2012, ABO, Anybody But Obama!!!


15 posted on 03/11/2012 3:21:24 PM PDT by JLAGRAYFOX (My only objective is defeat and destroy POTUS Obama & his Democrat Party, politically!!!)
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To: JLAGRAYFOX

Obummer = the enemy, and he’s in The White Crib, not just at or inside the gates, anymore. He came from nowhere with 52%, which tells me that there are a LOT of enemies inside the gates.


16 posted on 03/11/2012 3:26:38 PM PDT by Carriage Hill (I'll "vote for an orange juice can", over Barry Obummer and another 4yrs, anyday!)
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To: rfreedom4u

Are there any reliable sources for that background facts of this incident? The usual disgusting apologies from the chimpanzee are not constructive. Considering the number of Americans who have been murdered by cowardly Tali scum masquerading as ‘friends’, sixteen wasted is barely good for starters. It goes without saying that by publicly announcing his intention to cut and run from Afghanistan, the chimpanzee has emboldened his co-religionist friends [Tali vermin] and thereby placed our Marines and soldiers yet remaining in country in a completely untenable and extremely dangerous position. But this is completely consistent with his consuming hatred for us, our country and our courageous warriors.


17 posted on 03/11/2012 3:26:38 PM PDT by Bedford Forrest (Roger, Contact, Judy, Out. Fox One. Splash one.<I>)
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To: Bedford Forrest

I like WHAT you said, and the WAY you said it. Very good, BF!


18 posted on 03/11/2012 3:28:33 PM PDT by Carriage Hill (I'll "vote for an orange juice can", over Barry Obummer and another 4yrs, anyday!)
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To: JLAGRAYFOX

“You know, sooner or later the American people will come to realize that POTUS Obama is an anti-American.”

###

Too many Americans, WAY too many, are much more concerned with voting themselves goodies stolen from their fellow citizens, either totally free, or in the form of ridiculously over-compensated government jobs, to give a crap about what is best for the country.


19 posted on 03/11/2012 3:37:59 PM PDT by EyeGuy (2012: When the Levee Breaks)
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To: EyeGuy
Too many Americans, WAY too many, are much more concerned with voting themselves goodies stolen from their fellow citizens, either totally free, or in the form of ridiculously over-compensated government jobs, to give a crap about what is best for the country.

Bump!

20 posted on 03/11/2012 3:39:12 PM PDT by dfwgator (Don't wake up in a roadside ditch. Get rid of Romney.)
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